Featured Maps! Mappae Mundi and Map Design

Theme for the week: Mappae Mundi and Map Design

June 18 – July 6, 2018

What makes a good map? If we consider road maps, we would answer with geographic accuracy. Since the purpose of a road map is to be used for navigation, we want it to be as close as possible to the physical world it depicts. However, what makes a road map good doesn’t necessarily make another map good as well.

The mappae mundi, Latin for “cloths or charts of the world,” are any medieval world maps from Europe. These maps are not meant to be accurate geographic representations of the world. A common assumption is that the T and O mappa mundi depicts a flat earth. It is actually meant to show the three land masses of known habitable world during Roman and medieval times. Mappae mundi illustrate classical learning and can be used as teaching aids for concepts such as cardinal directions, Bible stories, mythology, flora, and fauna. The most famous ones are the complex or great world maps, such as the Ebstorf and Fra Mauro maps in our collection. This mapping tradition came to an end with the Age of Discovery that began in the 15th century.

The Age of Discovery required a different kind of map: the portolan chart. These maps were based on compass directions and valued for their realistic depictions of shores. Based on European explorers who sailed along the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, these rough charts were useful for recognizing landmarks and navigating through smaller bodies of water.

Maps serve as instruments for different purposes. They can assist researchers in various fields such as ecology, sociology, and anthropology. As Europe turned to global exploration, mapping traditions adapted to changing demands and needs of map users.

Title: Die Peutingersche Tafel

Title: Tabula Peutingeriana : le antiche vie del mondo

Title: The medieval Peutinger map : imperial Roman revival in a German empire

by Emily Albu (2014)

Call Number: G1033 .A45 2014

Map Collection: Location and Hours

The Map Collection room is normally open to the public in the basement (Lower Level) of Shields Library, Monday-Friday, 1:00-5:00 p.m. However, our hours change around the academic calendar (1:00-4:00 p.m., June 18-22 summer intersession) and the holiday season. To see the most accurate schedule, please visit this link: click here.

Contact the Special Collections Department for map related questions by email at speccoll@ucdavis.edu or by phone at 530-752-1621.